The Music of Diversity

A unique, harmonious blend

The cacophony of noise can be heard from the street. Children – Kurdish and Australian together – talking and laughing and singing along with songs blasting from the iPad. Warm greetings and the happy chatter of family and good friends catching up. The subtle clinking of cups and spoons as tea is prepared. It’s time for another YouBelong band practice!

The Congolese drummer sets up his instrument while the Kurdish keyboardist checks the sound levels on the mixer. As the Australian guitarist and celloist tune their instruments the singers gratefully accept the Kurdish tea and pastries offered to them by the keyboardist’s wife. As the band works out what song to practice first, the children play around their feet, chasing balloons and trying to sneak delicious treats off the table.

“What key?” the keyboardist asks once everyone is ready.

During the first few practices, this was always a tricky thing to work out. The Kurdish music system is very different to the Western style, using Arabic modes instead of keys and traditionally learning songs orally rather than through written sheet music. However, despite this initial hiccup, the band was soon able to find common ground.

“The key of ‘Do.’”

The keyboardist nods and transposes his keyboard accordingly while the guitarist and celloist get ready to play in C major.

With the press of a button, a synthetic drum beat fills the room. The Congolese drummer joins in with a rhythm of his own and the keyboardist improvises an intricate melody using a synthesized violin sound. Last week, it was a trumpet. When it comes to the YouBelong band, no two practices—or performances—are ever the same!

When the band first came together, this caused some confusion for the Australian members as they didn’t know exactly when to start playing or singing. But the keyboardist had a plan.

“When you hear the fill, that’s your cue,” he explained, pressing a button on his keyboard that played a distinct drum fill.

So now, the Australians wait for their cue.

At last, the drum fill comes and the sounds of guitar, cello, and voices join the mix. The band is rocking, filling the small practice room with a song that brings the Australian, Kurdish, and Congolese styles together in a unique blend. Some friends and family members of the band stand in the doorway enjoying the music. One of them pulls out a phone to record a video of the practice.

As the song concludes, the room breaks into smiles and thumbs up. It was a good practice! Cups of tea are sipped, sweet pastries nibbled at, and the next gig—or ‘party’—is discussed. A small Kurdish boy climbs into the lap of his father singing, “Music music, boom, boom!” while an Australian girl reaches for the cello, wanting to play with it. The next generation of the band, perhaps?

The bond shared by the members of the YouBelong band is a special one, and the way their songs come together is quite unique. Music truly is a universal language. It goes beyond traditional language, bringing together people of all different cultures, and creating a special kind of harmony.

Written by YouBelong band member Kylie Ludlow